Aid for Aid Workers Leadership Podcast
How do I lead a team in international development to better performance, while maintaining my wellbeing and making an impact in the community? Using her 12 years' experience in international development as well as professional coaching background, host Torrey Peace answers these questions and more in The Aid for Aid Workers Leadership Podcast. Here you'll find a mix of mini trainings and step-by-step guides, as well as best practices from other aid workers and a healthy dose of coaching from Torrey herself. If you're ready to become the leader you admire, then tune in weekly and start broadening your impact!
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The First Step to Making an Impact as a Humanitarian and Development Leader
04/22/2024
The First Step to Making an Impact as a Humanitarian and Development Leader
Have you ever found yourself lost in the wilderness, not sure where to go or how to get there, surrounded by the unknown and potential danger? Just like navigating unfamiliar territory, defining and achieving impactful goals in humanitarian and development work can feel like wandering without direction. Without a clear vision, leaders risk inefficiency, aimlessness, and missed opportunities for positive change. Discovering the roadmap to impactful leadership is crucial in today's complex world, where every decision can make a difference in the lives of many. In this episode, you will learn: Insight into the importance of defining personal impact goals as leaders in humanitarian and development work. Strategies for identifying strengths, values, and areas of excitement to fuel impactful leadership. Techniques for setting clear and measurable goals to track progress and ensure meaningful outcomes. Ready to chart your course towards impactful leadership? Tune in now to learn how defining your vision can be the first step in navigating the wilderness of humanitarian and development work.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/30761788
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Why Open Door Policies Are Overrated as a Humanitarian and Development Leader and Why Protecting Your Time Makes You More Available
04/15/2024
Why Open Door Policies Are Overrated as a Humanitarian and Development Leader and Why Protecting Your Time Makes You More Available
Are you constantly overwhelmed with a never-ending stream of interruptions at work? Whether you're a humanitarian and develoment leader in the field or managing a team remotely, the pressure to always be available might be hurting your productivity more than you realize. In today's fast-paced work environment, the expectation of constant availability can lead to burnout and decreased effectiveness. This episode dives deep into the myth of the "open door policy" and explores how prioritizing uninterrupted, focused work time is crucial for both individual productivity and team development. Learn how rethinking your approach to availability can lead to better outcomes and a healthier work-life balance. Here's what you'll learn: Discover the damaging effects of High Performance Syndrome and the myth of always being available. Learn practical strategies for setting boundaries and reclaiming focused work time without sacrificing your role as a supportive leader. Understand how fostering independence within your team can lead to greater productivity and proactive problem-solving, ultimately driving more impactful results in your humanitarian and development work. Ready to break free from the cycle of busyness and reclaim your productivity? Tune in to this episode of the Aid for Aid Workers podcast to uncover practical strategies for balancing availability with focused work time. Don't miss out – your effectiveness as a leader depends on it!
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/30759733
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How to Know If You'll Achieve Your Goals as a Humanitarian or Development Leader
04/08/2024
How to Know If You'll Achieve Your Goals as a Humanitarian or Development Leader
Will you achieve your goals within a year? Many of us "hope" we will. But hoping alone will not get you to that promotion or to achieve that certification. There are two things that you need to do in order to successfully achieve your goals. And it comes down to how you use your time. Find out more in this episode. NEW!!!! Episodes are now accompanied by full transcript!!! Please find full transcript below,
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/30726113
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What You Need to Know Before Using a Time Management App as a Humanitarian and Development Leader
04/01/2024
What You Need to Know Before Using a Time Management App as a Humanitarian and Development Leader
Wouldn't it be nice if a time management tool could solve all our problems as humanitarian and development leaders? Unfortuntely, it doesn't work that way. While time management tools can be helpful, there is something else you need to address before you can use them effectively. Something that will have a much greater impact on your time management. It has to do with the way you THINK about your time. After coaching hundreds of humanitarian and development supervisors, I have found there are common ways of thinking which prevent them from taking control of their time and making the impact they want. Listen to this episode to find out more. Previous Episodes Mentioned:
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/30620558
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Will I Lose My Team's Respect by Not Having the Answers?
03/25/2024
Will I Lose My Team's Respect by Not Having the Answers?
What is a common fear of leaders in humanitarian and international development when it comes to coaching their teams? The fear of losing respect. Losing respect because their team sees them as needing to have all the answers. So if they start asking their teams what they think, then the team will question their authority. I understand the reasoning behind this concern, especially in certain cultures where leadership is more directive. But how true is it? And is it really true we need to provide our teams with answers all the time? In this episode I share how this way of thinking can limit your growth as a leader - and how to use a more balanced approach which will motivate your team and take pressure off of yourself to need to know it all. Previous Epsiodes Mentioned:
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/30525418
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Slowing Down to Save Time
03/18/2024
Slowing Down to Save Time
When I was a leader in the international development and the humanitarian sector, I had many reasons to rush. There is always a deadline - whether a proposal, a project need or a government request. And yet there are consequences for being in a hurry and just trying to get things done. In this episode I share the importance of slowing down to understand and listen, and my own experience with what happens when we do not.
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What Your Team REALLY Wants with Feedback
03/11/2024
What Your Team REALLY Wants with Feedback
The word "feedback" in the humanitarian and development context can create feelings of anxiety, fear and anger. And yet, your team says they want feedback. So what is it they REALLY want? Most likely they want to grow, or become a better version of themselves in some way. The problem is if we don't know how to have that conversation, we can actually create the opposite effect - that is, a team member resistant to change. In this episode I present how to see feedback the way your team wants to receive it, and how to make it a regular conversation that is productive and helpful for all involved.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/30316093
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3 Main Leadership Styles: Advantages of Each and When to Use Them
03/04/2024
3 Main Leadership Styles: Advantages of Each and When to Use Them
The best leaders adapt their leadership style based on their team's needs. I like to think of the saying "wearing different hats" where one hat (way of leading) may be appropriate for one environment but not another. Similarly, we shouldn't always be leading one way. Sometimes you need to manage, sometimes you need to teach and sometimes you need to coach. Knowing the differences, the advantages and disadvantages of each and when to use them can help you understand how to create a stronger, more motivated team. Learn how to know which you are using the most and how it may be impacting those around you in this episode. Mentioned in this Episode:
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/30214978
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Coachable versus Teachable Moments with Your Team and the Impact of Each
02/26/2024
Coachable versus Teachable Moments with Your Team and the Impact of Each
As a leader who wants to strengthen your team, sometimes you need to teach them, and sometimes you need to coach them. There is a time for each - either your team member needs information to take action (training) versus needing self-reflection (coaching). I see many frustrated leaders who think they need to teach something - yet again - for someone to take action when in reality what's blocking them is something deeper, such as lack of confidence or motivation. Understanding when to use coaching versus teaching can save you a lot of frustration and help your team become stronger faster. This is what we discuss in today's episode.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/30106618
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Making the Most of Performance Planning Conversations
02/19/2024
Making the Most of Performance Planning Conversations
It's that time of the year! If you're like many of the supervisors I know, you are probably delaying having them. Performance planning conversations! These conversations are one of the most important discussions of the year, but many of us see them as a "have to do" and not a "want to do". Why is that? From my experience, it's not that performance planning conversations are bad. It's that we are not doing them effectively. An effective performance planning discussion should leave you and your team motivated and excited. In this episode I share simple things you can do to have more productive and motivating performance planning discussions. Conversations that you look forward to having - and your team too.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/30009798
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Diversity and the Coach Approach
02/12/2024
Diversity and the Coach Approach
As a leader you influence the level of diversity on your team. Allowing greater diversity results in your team contributing ideas and more innovation. And greater contribution/ideas = greater impact. In this episode we explore the story of Little Richard, an African American performer who despite many obstacles was able to be himself, resulting in him becoming one of the most influential people on rock and roll. So what allowed Little Richard to do so well, and what can you do as a leader to encourage diversity on your team? Listen to find out. Resources mentioned:
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/29900488
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Becoming a Better Leader and Leading at Every Level - The 2024 Women's Global Leadership Forum
02/05/2024
Becoming a Better Leader and Leading at Every Level - The 2024 Women's Global Leadership Forum
There are many ways to lead in the international development and humanitarian sectors. Whether it's by using a coach approach leadership style or by mentoring others, there are many ways to demonstrate leadership that benefit those around us. In this episode guest Fiona Macaulay (Founder of the Women Innovators and Leaders Development Network or WILD Network) shares how this year's WILD Forum will fulfill the theme "Lead at Every Level, Everywhere." We discuss how all of us can be better leaders, what to expect from this year's WILD Forum and how to get involved. Resources mentioned:
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/29699873
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My Top 3 Lessons Learned in 2023 - Part Three of Three
01/29/2024
My Top 3 Lessons Learned in 2023 - Part Three of Three
How we spend our time each day directly relates to our likelihood of achieving our goals. If we spend our time on what I call "empty calorie tasks" we will probably not change or grow much. But if we prioritize high quality tasks related to our goals, we will more likely achieve them. Understanding how to prioritize our time so we achieve our goals is one of my 2023 Lessons Learned. In this episode I share a helpful way to make decisions so you are on the path to achieving your 2024 goals.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/29650533
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My Top 3 Lessons Learned in 2023 - Part Two of Three
01/21/2024
My Top 3 Lessons Learned in 2023 - Part Two of Three
Are you approaching work from a scarcity mentality or abundance mentality? A scarcity mentality leads to fear, stress and worry. An abundance mentality leads to calm, motivation and inspiration. Over the past year I have learned that approaching things from an abundance mentality not only benefits me but others as well. And it is a lot more enjoyable way to work. Listen to this episode to learn more.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/29532468
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My Top 3 Lessons Learned in 2023 - Part One of Three
01/15/2024
My Top 3 Lessons Learned in 2023 - Part One of Three
I have taken time over the last few weeks to reflect on my top lessons learned for 2023. These lessons can help you achieve your goals for 2024 - faster and better. I am sharing them in a three part episode - starting with how I have learned to not rely only on one or two ways of reaching a goal. If you want to grow more as a leader, this lesson will help you greatly increase your chances of doing so.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/29472718
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When to Ask "How Can I Help You?"
01/08/2024
When to Ask "How Can I Help You?"
Asking your team "how can I help?" is a great way to show your support. But knowing when to ask this question can make it more helpful to your team member - and ultimately to you as a leader too. In this episode I explore the best way to ask "how can I help you?" as a supervisor in order to empower your team and not keep them from growing.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/26135856
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A Simple and Effective Way to be a More Empathetic Leader
01/01/2024
A Simple and Effective Way to be a More Empathetic Leader
Most of us prefer working for a leader who we feel cares for us over one who only cares about results. Many research studies confirm the same: empathetic leaders create higher performing and more motivated teams. Chances are if you're listening to this you are already a caring leader, but there is an opportunity that many leaders overlook which is so simple and yet goes a long way when you want to demonstrate caring for your team. In this episode I share this simple thing you can start doing immediately, and how it may reveal things you did not even know which can create a happier, more motivated team that creates more impact.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/25541328
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They are Watching You
12/25/2023
They are Watching You
If you find yourself saying things like "my team knows not to follow my bad example (working long hours, for example)" then this episode is for you. So many humanitarian and development leaders I work with think they are the "exception to the rule". That is that their team does not follow their unhealthy work style. But how true is that really? From my experience, it's not. In this episode I show you how you are influencing your team's behavior more than you think, and what may motivate you to change it.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/25839753
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Finding Time for Developing Your Team
12/18/2023
Finding Time for Developing Your Team
You have a lot on your to do list. Between all the meetings, email and your everyday obligations, things get busy fast! And yet, one of our most important priorities as supervisors can be one of the ones we delay doing the most - that is developing our team. How can you find time to develop your team while also keeping your other priorities? Listen to this episode to find out! Resources mentioned: - How to do a Time Audit (from previous episode )
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/25982808
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How You May Be Delaying Your Goal Achievement
12/11/2023
How You May Be Delaying Your Goal Achievement
How have you done achieving your annual goals? Sometimes it feels like there's some magic formula that we are missing which will allow us to achieve our goals. Thankfully, that's not true. Achieving our goals comes down to one thing. And that is: how we have prioritized our time. The way we use our time compounded leads us to the results we have today. The good news is that means you can make a change. If you choose to use your time on the things that will result in a stronger team or you as a stronger leader, you can achieve it. One obstacle that I see humanitarian and development leaders create for themselves is the idea that later will be better. After I finish this proposal, or donor visit, or final report, or whatever... THEN I will have the time. But that is just not true. There will always be things to do. Things that make you "busy". So knowing this, how can you prioritize what you know will make the most impact? Learn more in this episode. Resources mentioned:
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/28984713
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What Happens When We Already Know
12/04/2023
What Happens When We Already Know
You're listening to this because you want to grow as a leader. One way to do that is to be aware of your mindset. Having the right mindset, or perspective, can motivate us to grow and improve. But having the "wrong" mindset can lead to the opposite of growth. One limited mindset I see in humanitarian and development supervisors is when they tell themselves "they already know" something. "They already know" about this person. Or "they already know" about this skill. Or "they already know" about this experience. And guess what? Saying "you already know" shuts you down to looking for anything new. The opposite of growth. How might you be limiting yourself with what "you already know"? Listen to this episode to find out.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/28902588
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How to Make a New Way of Leading Successful
11/27/2023
How to Make a New Way of Leading Successful
Whether you know it or not, you have a certain way of leading your team. They are used to you doing things a certain way. So if you suddenly change that without saying anything... It could be very disruptive, and unproductive. In this episode I share what I've learned about how to introduce a new way of leading to make it successful, in part by making the transition more comfortable and inclusive. Resources Mentioned:
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/28801618
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Taking Your Power Back
11/20/2023
Taking Your Power Back
Are you the hero or the victim of your story? Sometimes we may be a victim - and not even realize it. And when we are a victim - we become helpless and hopeless. This means we don't act, we don't grow and we don't help ourselves or others. Because we see our situation as "reality" - rather than seeing it as a story that can change. In this episode I share how to recognize when you are in victim mode and what you can do to get out of it. Resources mentioned:
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/28716803
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Leading Versus Quality Questions
11/13/2023
Leading Versus Quality Questions
When we communicate with others, and especially when coaching, the quality of our questions can have tremendous impact on the outcome. We can have good intentions, but a question which is leading or directive can shut down a conversation and limit the creativity and resourcefulness of those you work with. In this episode you'll learn how to know if you are asking leading questions, and what to do about it, so you can communicate more effectively and develop your team at the same time.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/28606788
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Why Doesn't My Team Have Ideas?
11/06/2023
Why Doesn't My Team Have Ideas?
There are many benefits of a proactive team. A more proactive team means greater diversity of thought, higher team motivation and more time for you to work on the important things on your to do list. Sometimes just asking your team what they think is not enough to make them more proactive and independent. There are reasons why some team members may be hesitant to offer their ideas or make decisions on their own. In this episode we explain these reasons, and then address what you can do so your team will start thinking for themselves, offering solutions and providing ideas that you never even considered.
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Are You Sports Coaching or Leadership Coaching?
10/30/2023
Are You Sports Coaching or Leadership Coaching?
We often hear the word "coach" and think it means the same, whether someone is a leadership coach or sports coach. But all coaching IS NOT created equal. Sports coaching and leadership coaching are actually very different, and in order to know which we are doing, it's important to know the differences. So we don't end up "sports coaching" our team. This is a common misunderstanding I see people make, and one worth clarifying. Join me in this short episode as I explain the differences between sports and leadership coaching, so you can know which you are doing, and what changes you might want to make.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/28459322
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Why They're Not Doing What You Ask
10/23/2023
Why They're Not Doing What You Ask
Has this happened to you as a humanitarian and/or international development leader? You have a meeting with your team, or community, or implementing partner, and you think you've agreed on what to do next. You come back a week later, and find out... nothing has been done! Why is that? The more responsibility we take for our team, the community, government, implementing partner (or even your kids!) not taking action on something, the more likely we can fix it. Because chances are, there's something we have done that ended up with them not taking action. If you want to learn the most common reasons things don't get done (after your team has agreed to do them) and how to overcome them, listen to this episode!
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/28391900
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Why You Need to Have More Fun at Work - and Some Ideas on How
10/16/2023
Why You Need to Have More Fun at Work - and Some Ideas on How
Do you have fun at work? If so, how often? I think most of us can use more fun in our work and personal lives, but rarely do we stop to think about how to INTENTIONALLY create it. Having fun at work has been linked to greater productivity, staff morale, and creativity. And it doesn't require a big budget or extra time during the week. You can have fun while still working! How can you? Listen to this episode to find out.
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/28325036
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Top 3 Coaching Mistakes Leaders Make and How to Fix Them
10/09/2023
Top 3 Coaching Mistakes Leaders Make and How to Fix Them
This week registration opens for "The Coach Approach Leadership Style" coaching course and to give you an idea of what we cover, I am sharing the top three mistakes I see new humanitarian and development leaders make when coaching, and how you can overcome them! I'm showing you how these might impact the quality of your coaching, and how to increase your effectiveness with a few small changes. To check out
/episode/index/show/aidforaidworkers/id/28262816
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A Simple Way to Motivate and Build Trust with Others
10/02/2023
A Simple Way to Motivate and Build Trust with Others
Understanding how to acknowledge our team can be the difference between gaining their trust and breaking it. It's more than just saying "nice job!" or "you're amazing!" In this episode I share tips on how to acknowledge (hint, it's different from a complement) and how you can use it to motivate your team's performance and productivity.
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